At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team in maintaining a thriving secondary academy and ensuring campus security.
- Company: A well-established Academy in Oxford with a focus on academic excellence and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive atmosphere with pathways for advanced safety and technical certifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in caretaking or maintenance, with strong organisational and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
A thriving Secondary Academy in Oxford is seeking a professional, high-energy, and exceptionally organised Lead Caretaker to join their estates team. This is a vital operational supervisory role, perfectly suited for an experienced caretaker or maintenance technician looking to take on line-management responsibilities for a dedicated site team while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day upkeep and security of a modern campus.
The successful candidate will coordinate a team of shift caretakers and cleaning staff, establishing weekly rotas to ensure complete coverage of early morning openings, late-night community lettings, and school lockups. Day-to-day responsibilities include performing skilled fabric maintenance and repairs (basic carpentry, mechanical plumbing fixes, painting, and security hardware updates), monitoring the building management system (BMS), and coordinating the response to reactive maintenance tickets submitted via the school's digital helpdesk. You will also oversee statutory compliance logging, including weekly fire alarm testing, fire door inspections, emergency lighting diagnostics, and regular legionella water tracking.
You will support clear, proactive communication with the Site Manager, teaching faculty, and external contractors, ensuring that all health and safety guidelines (COSHH, manual handling, working at heights) are strictly upheld. Strong organizational and time-management skills are required to balance team leadership duties with active physical asset management across a busy secondary academy framework.
This is an 11 to 18 well-established Academy in Oxford with an outstanding track record for academic excellence, inclusive support, and operational efficiency. The campus benefits from premium resources, featuring newly developed science wings, sports pavilions, and multi-use performance spaces that are utilized by both the school and the wider local community.
The premises team is treated as a highly respected, core pillar of the wider school faculty. Staff enjoy an open and collaborative professional culture, visible and supportive leadership, and funded pathways for advanced safety and technical certifications (such as IOSH safety training, Legionella control, or specialized tool operations).
Requirements
- Proven experience in a school caretaking, facility maintenance, or property technician role, with evidence of leading or supervising a small team
- Strong hands-on competency in a variety of building maintenance tasks (DIY, minor carpentry, basic plumbing repairs)
- Working knowledge of school health and safety legislation, safe manual handling frameworks, and COSHH regulations
- Good IT literacy, with confidence using digital registration systems, reading email updates, and navigating facilities helpdesk dashboards
- Ability to work effectively and flexibly across split shift patterns and weekend letting structures
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV as soon as possible.
Lead Caretaker – Thriving Secondary Academy in Oxford employer: Marchant Recruitment
Join a thriving Secondary Academy in Oxford, where you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that values the contributions of its estates team. With opportunities for professional growth through funded certifications and a commitment to operational excellence, this role as Lead Caretaker offers a rewarding environment where your skills in maintenance and team leadership will be highly respected and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Caretaker – Thriving Secondary Academy in Oxford
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like Marchant Recruitment.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like Marchant Recruitment.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like Marchant Recruitment, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Caretaker – Thriving Secondary Academy in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show Marchant Recruitment that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with Marchant Recruitment specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. Marchant Recruitment will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at Marchant Recruitment a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at Marchant Recruitment.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at Marchant Recruitment, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
